Antimicrobial proteins are part of the ______ immune system.

• A. cell-mediated
• B. adaptive
• C. humoral
• D. innate

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the types of immune systems: The immune system is broadly divided into innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity provides immediate, non-specific defense, while adaptive immunity is specific and develops over time.
2. Recognize the role of antimicrobial proteins: These proteins act quickly to inhibit or destroy pathogens and are part of the body's first line of defense.
3. Identify the category of immune response: Since antimicrobial proteins act rapidly and non-specifically, they belong to the innate immune system rather than the adaptive or cell-mediated systems.
4. Differentiate between humoral and cell-mediated immunity: Humoral immunity involves antibodies produced by B cells (adaptive), while cell-mediated immunity involves T cells (adaptive). Antimicrobial proteins are not part of these adaptive responses.
5. Conclude that antimicrobial proteins are components of the innate immune system, which provides immediate, broad-spectrum defense against pathogens.